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Jimmy Wayne’s “Walk To Beautiful” Will Stop You in Your Tracks and Hopefully Inspire You to Help Make a Difference – Book Reviewhttps://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/jimmy-waynes-walk-to-beautiful-will-stop-you-in-your-tracks-and-hopefully-inspire-you-to-help-make-a-difference-book-review/
https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/jimmy-waynes-walk-to-beautiful-will-stop-you-in-your-tracks-and-hopefully-inspire-you-to-help-make-a-difference-book-review/#respondFri, 06 Mar 2015 21:31:08 +0000http://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/?p=153Walk to Beautiful, an inspirational autobiography by Jimmy Wayne, the homeless kid turned country music singer/songwriter/star who stands in integrity on his country music platform pitching prophetic lyrics in an effort to effect lives and laws regarding foster youth of America, was released on October 7, 2014 by W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Anyone who knows Jimmy Wayne has been breathlessly awaiting this release. Anyone who thinks they know Jimmy Wayne is in for an eye-opening, jaw-dropping account of what is hard to believe a child could endure, survive and thrive from.

On the surface Walk to Beautiful is a memoir, an autobiography, a story of a homeless kid who found the way when love finally opened its door to him. At its end, it’s a story of putting one’s life lessons to work in a positive way to effect a difference in the world. But at its core, Walk to Beautiful is a story of resilience, determination, integrity and faith. Faith that there really is someone who loves and protects us when those we’re supposed to be able to rely on in life has let us down, abandoned, and beat us physically and emotionally.

A month after its release, Jimmy Wayne’s “Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way” found its way to the New York Times Bestseller List. Allow this book, this author and this story to find its way into your mindset – and support Jimmy in supporting homeless youth of America and a system in need of change.

From the prologue to the epilogue Walk to Beautiful will change you the way Jimmy says “Bea changed every cell in my body”.

The book is uniquely laid out into four parts, a literary GPS that will guide you right back to whatever time period in Wayne’s life you want to re-reflect on later. But the story starts in flashback fashion with Jimmy confessing, “I hated my life. I hated living. I hated everything and everyone. I just wanted to die.” and challenges God that “if you are really there, give me a reason to change the meaning of FTW” – three initials that “most of the foster kids I’d met knew what the initials signified” and that “expressed exactly what I felt inside.”

From there “A Wake-Up Call” briefly introduces readers to Jimmy’s country music success and his life-changing, self-reflection of it all.

You’re then taken on the walk of your life as Jimmy shares “The Crazy Years”, an understated section title highlighting gruesome details of Jimmy’s youth wrought with sex, drugs, alcohol, the witnessing of horrific acts of violence, abuse, abandonment, attempted murder, suicide, degradation and incarceration – all before the age of 15, much of which he experienced in the very early years of childhood.

“Saved By Love” tells the tale of an elderly couple that opened their hearts and door to Jimmy. Russell and Bea Costner gave Jimmy an ultimatum but never judged nor questioned his past.

“The Walk” invites you to an arm chair premier of what Jimmy did with his “Wake-Up Call” self-reflection. It’s a seven-month walk Wayne trekked halfway across America, simulating homelessness from Tennessee to Arizona, to raise awareness of homeless youth and foster kids aging out of the system. A walk where Jimmy was stopped in his tracks physically, professionally and environmentally, yet not personally. A walk where once again Wayne’s resilience and integrity continued to be tested and continued to shine.

Walk to Beautiful is a biography, a story the author shares with open, honest and grueling detail. Yet Wayne’s purpose, it seems, is not to amass sympathy. It’s to amass awareness “to anyone who will listen”. To the kids in the foster system – a life of crime doesn’t have to be your chosen path, a life of hardship doesn’t have to define you. To voting Americans and government officials – Jimmy has crunched the numbers. It’s more cost- and humanly-effective to extend care and opportunity, rather than categorization and incarceration, to the foster youth of America.

To all of America Walk to Beautiful is a story that shows how one person can make a difference in one life and that if each of us accepted that challenge many lives would be positively affected in many ways.

If you think you’re not here for a purpose, you’ll think twice at the conclusion of Walk to Beautiful, Jimmy Wayne’s tale of holding on to the one hand that challenged him, taught him, saved him and awarded him – faith – dressed in so many disguises most wouldn’t have recognized it.

Walk to Beautiful is not for the faint of heart. But at a time when state and national child protection systems are strife with abuse and neglect allegations and Massachusetts alone is reporting over one thousand homeless and/or at risk youths, Walk to Beautiful is a must-read for everyone who claims they care and want to “Bea” somebody.

Learn more about and follow Jimmy Wayne, Award Winning Musician, New York Times Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker:

Don’t judge a book by its title, especially Josh Turner’s recently released “Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood”. The title is slightly misleading but the wisdom is not. This little book is big on revelations, inspirations and a side of Josh Turner that just might surprise you.

“Man Stuff” is about life stuff. But unless you caught the “thoughts on faith, family and fatherhood” subtitle, many a reader just might pass this gem by thinking it’s about, well, “man stuff”.

And while we’re on the subject, although Josh’s writing is focused on the sharing of wisdom he’s garnered in his role as son, father and husband – clearly all male stuff – Turner’s tales are universal. “Man Stuff” takes you behind the scenes and into the heart of Josh Turner, yet Turner’s clearly a messenger here, as these stories are at the heart of mankind as a whole.

Sharing the spotlight he’s under and the spotlight he follows, Turner takes you on an inspirational trek to where he is now, how he arrived, things he endured and what pulled him through. Looking up at Turner on stage one might see what appears to be a man of physical confidence, vocal strength and lyrical conviction. But as Josh shares in “Man Stuff”:

“The image of the strong, self-sufficient man doing life easily on his own is just that: an image, an illusion”.

And from there through a myriad of meaningful and thought-provoking stories Josh confesses that being a man of integrity and staying true to one’s conviction in a world gone awry is sometimes easier said than done. Dreams he had, disappointments he bore, setbacks he endured, joys he experienced and mistakes he made, all lead him to the conclusion that:

“I haven’t been all the way around the block, but I’ve been far enough around to know you only get so many chances to blow it in this life before the people closest to you start to doubt you … they’ll keep on loving you, but they’re just not sure they can always trust you.”

Yet, “Man Stuff” is also about its readers. You will hear your stories, your life, woven within the anecdotes Josh shares. You will recognize your struggles through the tales Turner tells. You will be inspired to discover that wholesome, organic and all-natural aren’t the latest buzzwords but a reminder of a Shepherd that invites and guides us daily to a life enriched with abundance. And in an instant gratification world where everything is fast-paced and readily available, you will be encouraged as “Man Stuff” takes you back in thought – to a time when moments had meaning, time was precious and man followed God not twitter.

Don’t judge a book by its title or a man by his cover, for neither is ever what they seem. “Man Stuff” is Josh Turner’s treasure trove of tales, his own personal book of revelations. It’s humorous, not preachy; deep but not heavy. Yet it’s your story too. And for those of us who only know Josh publicly, “Man Stuff” is an introduction to the depth of the man behind the “Long Black Train”. And you will delightfully discover that Josh Turner is quite a “Firecracker”.

“Man Stuff” hit store shelves on April 29, 2014 but this is an enduring coffee table book that will hit you with inspiration every time you pick it up – so be sure to pick up a copy today for yourself and for gifts – for its encouragement is enduring.

About Josh TurnerMCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner is one of country music’s most successful artists. With a rich, deep voice and unique style, Turner is a double-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and a disciple of traditional country music, a mentor to up-and-coming artists —and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 Platinum-selling debut Long Black Train to his most recent 2012 Billboard No. 1 release Punching Bag, Turner has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards and garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominations. Turner’s hits include “Time Is Love,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Firecracker,” “Would You Go with Me” and more.

This year Turner added author to his list of accomplishments. His first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood comes out April 29, 2014 and his sixth studio album is expected to follow later this year. The Hannah, S.C. native has been songwriting and performing since he was a young child, and in support of music education, created The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund to assist students interested in pursuing a future in arts and music. As a high school student, Turner had very little access to music education, therefore realizes first-hand the importance of arts education in schools. For more information on Josh Turner including a list of his upcoming tour dates, visit http://www.JoshTurner.com.

The totality of the tale wrapped in the jacket of From This Moment On took my breath away. I initially had a difficult time putting pen to paper and wondered what justice I could possibly give to this phenomenal person, artist and story.

From This Moment On is by no means a story of a young Canadian girl born into poverty who gets lucky with a microphone, rises to stardom, lives in a castle and is looking for sympathy as she nurses wounds of betrayal.

Yet From This Moment On is by no means simply another story of the life of a celebrity.

From This Moment On is a story of a young girl who may have been “born into poverty” but where Shania fell into poverty she stood in integrity. Poor in material possessions but rich in resilience, Shania Twain’s depth of understanding at a very early age became (and remains) her number one survival skill.

On August 28, 1965 Shania Twain (named Eileen Regina Edwards) made her struggling debut into the world. In hindsight, it was a moment that seemed to set the stage for what would be years of hardship, heartache and horror. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that Doc Delivery had smacked her and yelled “she’s gonna make it”.

By kindergarten, the lessons for Shania inherent in the phrase “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” would be that she needed to be brave and that she loved making music.

But she would soon discover during her first grade show-and-tell debut of Take Me Home Country Roads and being chosen for the choir despite her lack of experience and inappropriate age, that she was cast as an attention-seeking showoff and “being the ‘little singer’ wasn’t so fun.” But Shania confides she “loved music too much to let it discourage her.”

So while most children were playing sports, Shania was playing with her vocals, humming melodies until they tickled her lips and filled her head; an exercise she would later discover was not merely child’s play. And by the age of eight Shania had picked up an acoustic guitar and began putting music and lyrics together.

The Interlude

With 27 BMI Songwriter awards beneath her pick there’s no doubt Shania Twain can tell a story in three minutes. And with worldwide record sales of 75 million plus, there’s no doubt many people find comfort in Shania’s storytelling.

But From This Moment On is storytelling of a different kind. Here Shania takes you from the cold, harsh hands of Canadian winters through the cold, harsh hands of domestic violence and hardship and warms your heart as she cradles you in the comfort of optimism.

She doesn’t just talketh the talk, she walketh the walk.

Rich in captivating detail and conversational tone, Shania shares stories of how “the little house shook when there was a ruckus going on.” She candidly and comically introduces you to her dad’s ingenious invention of a “poor man’s sandwich” carried in a poor man’s lunchbox to school.

Then years later after her career skyrocketed and her marriage fell, Shania shares her longing for the matter-of-fact way she and her mom would sit at the kitchen table talking like friends as her mom shared the anguish in anecdotes such as her Christmas shoplifting story of how “a policeman walked up behind me and said I’d have to bring everything back.”

The Fortitude

By the close of Chapter Four I had to close the book … to cry. Not “for” Shania or anything she’d been through but for the overwhelming emotions that came over me of the character traits weaved throughout the pages of this book that are the inherent foundation of what is a remarkable human being.

Never once did Shania whimper, buckle or run from poverty, violence, sexual advances or her roots. Understanding that both her family and life were dysfunctional and riddled with strife, she took nothing for granted and seized every opportunity with gratitude and integrity. She did and does her best to view every change – personal and professional – as an ongoing education.

But the show must go on. And never losing sight of her goal of a music career but suddenly gaining sight of her responsibilities as family caretaker, Shania laid her parents to rest, picked out their headstone and packed her pain, her siblings and her songwriting capabilities and set out on a resilient journey to fulfill her professional dreams while keeping her family and their memories in tact.

The Magnitude

To sum up From This Moment On in one sentence is to say it’s a no-holds-barred story of courage, resilience, faith and gratitude sprinkled intermittently with poverty, wealth, stardom and a consistent smell and taste of an afflicted past lingering in the air.

The Epilogue

For Shania fans everywhere, your collection is not complete without owning and reading a copy of From This Moment On.

For fans of seeing the cup half full, your cup would runneth over after absorbing From This Moment On.

For Eja, Shania’s son, to be part of such a legacy told in rich, honest, captivating detail from the heart and soul of a woman and mother who would never want you to be left – as she was – with unanswered questions, your blessings are immeasurable.

For Shania Twain, your story, your resilience, your honesty, humility and humor humbles me. May you and your family be strengthened by the reminder in these pages of the power of love that kept you bonded. And may your parents, Sharon and Jerry, beam with pride Together, Forever of who you are, not just what you’ve become. And may you continue to heal, grow and find your voice.

]]>https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/from-this-moment-on-and-shania-twain-stand-together-forever-in-integrity/feed/0Shania-Twain-From-This-Moment-On-Book-HeadshotcmcdtwcShania-Twain-From-This-Moment-On-Book-CoverJimmy Wayne’s “Paper Angels” is More Than a Story about a Seasonal Program – Book Reviewhttps://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/jimmy-waynes-paper-angels-is-more-than-a-story-about-a-seasonal-program-book-review/
https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/jimmy-waynes-paper-angels-is-more-than-a-story-about-a-seasonal-program-book-review/#respondWed, 30 Jul 2014 14:34:28 +0000http://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/?p=124

Its story may be seasonal. It’s message is eternal . . .

Paper Angels – it’s a book, it’s a story, it’s a program and it’s so much more.

The book is a collaboration of lives, stories and artists. The story is about fear, anger, blame, faith, love and kindness and the myriad of ways those emotions surface and hide. The Program is the Salvation Army’s seasonal mission to provide assistance to families in need at Christmastime. And together they create a heartwarming story sure to enlighten, enrich and effect you.

It’s an effect Jimmy Wayne hopes stays with you the way it stayed with him and inspires you to do something the way it has inspired him to do something. And we’re not merely talking about the fictional story within the pages of Paper Angels. We’re talking about the real life story that was the foundation of the fictional re-creation of a life Jimmy and his family lived. A life riddled with hardship, violence and poverty. And a life touched by the generosity of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. A life that left Jimmy not selfish, victimized and wounded, but grateful and inspired to give back by continuing to bring awareness to the Angel Tree Program. A life that has created a story he hopes inspires you to sponsor and make a difference in the life of a child one paper angel at a time.

Released by Howard Books/Simon & Schuster on November 1, 2011, Paper Angels is truly a timeless tale. The novel marks Jimmy Wayne’s debut as a book author and was written in collaboration with best selling author Travis Thrasher. Both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, the plot wraps around Kevin, a businessman on the verge of losing everything in his upscale life while adding twins to his suburban family of three and Thomas, a 15-year old struggling to survive the aftermath of a broken home, an alcoholic father, and his youth on the edge of disaster. It’s about how their paths cross and touch each other without ever having met.

Yet there are also so many sub-stories entwined in its telling that Paper Angels truly is a story of effecting change through kindness. You will experience physiological changes as you metaphorically wait in the back seat with Thomas and Sara for their mom to make the run for their life wondering if she will successfully exit the front door or their drunken father will beat her to it and angrily intercept their exodus.

You will shiver with empathy as Lynn Brandt (the mother) shares how “it had taken everything in her to go the Salvation Army to sign up for their Angel Tree program … the place that produced all those men and women ringing bells and asking for donations. The people who came up with the idea to put Christmas trees up in public places for kids who wouldn’t be receiving presents under their own tree at home.”

And you will hold your breath, hit your knees and unsuccessfully attempt to hold back tears when Lynn belches out in pain upon hearing her son Thomas was a Forgotten Angel, a name not having been chosen, but “because of the generosity of so many would receive a Forgotten Angel gift.” The reality of these children’s lives hits you hard as this enraged mother squeals in parental pain “I don’t want some presents. I want the ones he asked for. That’s how it works, right? That’s how it’s supposed to work! Isn’t it?” You’ll walk dazed with her as she succumbs to reality and leaves the warehouse with the red bag full of presents for Sara pleading, “God, Why? Why Thomas? Why Now?”

And you will be completely effected by the unexpected ending … that’s all I’ll say – brace yourself !

I was shaking so bad by the end of this story that I couldn’t speak. I closed the book, swallowed hard and wondered who the hell I thought I was to ever complain. This story hits you like a bucket of ice water in the face, stings like a shot of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee No. 10, and shocks you with its oh-so-simple revelation … faith, love and hope can move mountains – “and the greatest is love”.

A Story That’s Been Germinating for Years . . .
Jimmy Wayne is no newcomer to the art of storytelling and collaboration. For years Jimmy’s been collaborating with the music industry, creating songs, videos and awareness about the true stories behind them all. He’s also no newcomer to voicing his ongoing support of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, a program he himself was a recipient of. He originally shared this sentiment in the “Paper Angels” track off his debut album. And since then Jimmy has endeavored to keep bringing awareness to the Angel Tree Program in his newly released first book “Paper Angels” (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster). Jimmy’s been featuredon media outlets such as ABC World News Now, NBC News, People Magazine, the 700 Club, Crook & Chase, Better TV and more discussing not just the recently released fictional story based on his personal experience but the enormity of what the book endeavors to focus on, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.

“When my sister and I were kids, we were represented by two of those little paper angels hanging on the Salvation Army Christmas tree,” Jimmy said. “Our family was going through a really tough time, and had it not been for the Salvation Army and the people who selected our paper angels, we wouldn’t have had a Christmas. I have never forgotten that and to this day I am still grateful for the generous hearts who take care of these kids at Christmas.”

This country music singer-songwriter, recording artist and philanthropist is well known for his heartfelt tales in his Top 10 hits “Stay Gone” and “I Love You This Much” and his Top 20 Hits “You Are” and “Paper Angels” all from his 2003 self-titled debut album. And it was by way of that debut album that I came to know Jimmy Wayne and his dedication to the Angel Tree Program.

I had the honor of meeting Jimmy back in 2004 during a “Paper Angels” event at Jordan’s Furniture in Reading, MA. The event sponsored a toy drive and Jimmy hung around afterwards to take pictures and give autographs. Fans of Jimmy’s had made beautiful paper angels adorned with gold ribbon and bells. I had a front row seat and was a lucky recipient of one of these angels. We held them up during Jimmy’s “Paper Angels” performance. It was quite moving. I still have that paper angel. At first I would take it out and put it away each year with my Christmas decorations. Then I decided to leave it hanging in my office to remind me of life’s struggles, possibilities, and “abilities” to help others.

And that’s the effect Jimmy is hoping his collaborative efforts with best-selling author Travis Thrasher will have on you after reading Paper Angels.

Pay it Forward Doesn’t Stop There for Jimmy . . .
Continuing to bring awareness to the Angel Tree Program through his Paper Angels endeavors is only one of the ways Jimmy Wayne takes what he’s been given and pays it forward. If he can be from that place and get where he is through the small acts of kindness from people Jimmy met traveling down his road of life then that’s a pretty powerful message for all of us to grasp. And it’s a message Jimmy put in further motion in 2010 when he created and literally took to the streets with his Project Meet Me Halfway, a solo 1700 mile, 7-month trek halfway across America to raise awareness for at risk foster children who age out of the system with no where to go – a position Wayne himself is all too familiar with. That Project Meet Me Halfway (www.projectmmh.org) walk started out in Nashville, TN January 1, 2010 and ended in Phoenix, AZ on August 1, 2010. And while Wayne’s “walk” has ended, it’s purpose has just begun to make a difference in the lives of these youths.

And so has Jimmy. In between Paper Angels, Project Meet Me Halfway, touring and songwriting, Wayne found time to commit to yet another program for children and became a National Spokesperson for CASA for Children.

And because he’s been given a celebrity stage, mic and audience to reach out to for support, he makes sure to pay it forward there, too. Jimmy has completed writing and recording a new CD. Music from the new recording will be released in 2012, and was inspired by the people he met and places he saw during his 1700 mile walk across America. I along with his fans look forward to hearing this and the heartfelt stories it contains and the way Jimmy tells them in song.

Don’t Wait til Next Year . . .Paper Angels is indeed a seasonal story with an eternal message. Don’t wait until next year to do your part. Start by looking around your own vicinity and reaching out to children in need. Purchase a copy of Paper Angels and make its message and program not only part of your Christmas giving but part of your life. Paper Angels is so much more than a story about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. It’s a story about what its character Thomas prayed for … “to make a difference”. Start today and make a difference in a child’s life then continue to keep your eyes open for opportunities to touch a child and a life.

God Bless Jimmy Wayne for taking such sensitive and personal struggles and sharing (publishing) them for the world to see how simple acts of kindness do indeed help. God Bless everyone out there who’s ever given to the Angel Tree Program, a Giving Tree at work or at your church. This is the effect your kindness has had.

Make Paper Angels – the book, the story and the program – a part of your holiday traditions and your everyday life.

Merry CHRISTmas to ALL … and to ALL a Good Life !

Take a moment to watch the two videos below. One is of the Angel Tree Bag & Tag Program in action from Nashville, TN. And the other is Jimmy talking about “Paper Angels”, the book, the program, the recipients and the foster care system they age out of. Both videos come not from research but from a place of experience in Jimmy Wayne’s life.

JIMMY WAYNE – “ANGEL TREE PROGRAM” IN ACTION

JIMMY WAYNE – National Television Discussing “Paper Angels” and its Foster Care Recipients

]]>https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/jimmy-waynes-paper-angels-is-more-than-a-story-about-a-seasonal-program-book-review/feed/0Jimmy-Wayne-Paper-Angels-Book-Cover-and-ArtistcmcdtwcJimmy Wayne’s “Paper Angels” is More Than a Story about a Seasonal ProgramJimmyWayneTravisThrasherPaperAngelsBookSigningimg_4442_country-music-star-jimmy-wayne-discusses-new-novelJimmyWayneWalkingPaper Angels Book Small PicAngel_Tree_Logo_2010_eDeborah Allen Pens “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” Children’s Book – A Book Reviewhttps://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/deborah-allen-pens-the-loneliest-christmas-tree-childrens-book-a-review/
https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/deborah-allen-pens-the-loneliest-christmas-tree-childrens-book-a-review/#respondWed, 30 Jul 2014 13:56:32 +0000http://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/?p=118

No matter who we are, none of us ever wants to feel left out in life. Whether you’re Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer never allowed to “play in any reindeer games”, a “Charlie-in-the-Box” castaway dismissed to the land of the misfit toys, or a Christmas elf wanting to be a dentist, we all have an inherent need to be accepted for who we are and be a part of the world around us.

Additionally inherent in our human destiny is the desire to want to assist others and causes, in any way we can, when a need comes to our attention. And strangely, one never knows where that assistance might come from … and most often it’s from quite unexpected sources.

A Common Theme . . .
Life is filled with common themes and concerns to overcome. Country music is filled with these same common themes. But it’s the choice of lyric, the telling of the tale, that differentiates one song from another, one story from another, to capture the attention of the listening audience.

Singer-songwriter Deborah Allen has taken her love of storytelling and life experiences and put them together for the first time in a children’s book.

“The Loneliest Christmas Tree”, the story of a lone tree having never been chosen for the family festivities of holiday lights and decorations, is indeed a common theme. But it’s the telling of this frightening adventure of a Christmas tree on the edge of being destroyed by urban development that takes common to a new place, a new audience and a new hero.

Where It All Began . . .
For “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” author, Deborah Allen, it all began in 1986. “The idea for this book first came to me many years ago,” Deborah shares. “I was writing every day, anxious to see what was going to develop next in the story. It was around this same time that I had forged a friendship with a local Nashville woman who happened to be living on the streets. The character in the book, Christmas Carole, is named after that woman, and she turns out to be the hero in the story. Unfortunately, she passed away several years ago.”

For “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” itself, it all began in the forest among other evergreen trees awaiting to be chosen “to take home and dress up in tinsel and twinkling lights with an angel above shining out in the night.” A fate this tree assumed it would see, yet the only thing it saw standing alone in the forest year after year was the threat of city dwellings and its demise getting closer and closer and closer.

Would it survive? Would it be destroyed? Would anybody care?

You’ll have to purchase this delightful children’s Christmas story to find out for yourself. For me to fill you in would be like opening your gifts before Christmas …

A Bit of a Hint . . .
Okay, I’ll give you a bit of a hint. “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” is a heart wrenching tale that will have each child worried for the tree’s fate, cheering when it seems the tree will be okay then concerned once again when its fate is looking dim. It’s a common story-telling strategy of problem, tension, climax and conclusion. But where children are concerned it always becomes a magical adventure expected to be resolved.

Well, this expected-to-be-resolved adventure unexpectedly begins when the tree is left alone in the forest year after year. It progresses with worry and tears as the years go by and the city begins creeping up on it taking over its space and options. Where it once accepted that one day it would meet the fate of an “ax” and be brought home to be adorned and decorated, never did it think it would meet the fate of a chain saw to be turned into …

Oh, I can’t look. It tried so hard to be picked, to be brave, to be useful. But in the end …

In the end, the only one concerned about the fate of “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” was Carole, a homeless woman who lived for years beneath its branches, safe and protected from the elements of seasonal change. Yes, only Carole cared because to Carole “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” was her home.

But no one would listen. Not the city. Not the mayor’s office. No one. So Carole decided to ask for help in prayer. Do prayers really get heard? Do prayers really get answered? From a homeless person? Even Carole knew her chances were slim at saving the only thing she had for a home. And while “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” tried to continue to comfort Carole, even IT began to worry for and accept its fate.

Rhythm, Rhyme and Vocabulary . . .
The tale begins with a traditional “Once upon a time” opening. The tone is set and you’re reading along nicely when suddenly the author switches to rhyme. Now, while rhyme is a very common story-telling pattern in children’s books and an obvious story-telling pattern to a songwriter, it’s the all-of-a-sudden-ness of the voice change that has you backtracking a bit to the beginning to see if you missed the rhyme at the outset in your zealousness to get going on this adventurous tale.

Once you realize that the story went from narration to rhyme, it’s very easy to settle in, dancing along with the rhythm and the rhyme hoping for a happy ending.

There’s no doubt this is a children’s story. It’s a picture book gorgeously illustrated by visual storyteller Molly Brooks, (daughter of Kix Brooks, half of the famous duo Brooks & Dunn). The colors and characters are as vibrant as Molly’s personality, bringing “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” to life through the illustrations as the story unfolds.

Most often in children’s books sentences are quite short and vocabulary is quite simple. “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” challenges the young listener every now and then with sentence structure, length, vocabulary and concepts that I think reach beyond the scope of the age-intended listener.

But if you ask Dr. Seuss, that’s a craft and an art that lends itself to further discovery, adventure and commentary. It allows the young listener to become inquisitive and ask what “that” means. It lends itself to the adult reader reaching into the archives of its own childhood memories and delivering an explanation that will satisfy the young listeners’ learning curve. It’s not a handicap, it’s a way to become more than just the reader of a story to a child. It’s a craft Dr. Seuss had down to a science and Deborah Allen adopted now and again in the unfolding of “The Loneliest Christmas Tree”.

Personal Experiences . . .
Everything we do in life stems from our own personal experiences. The way we approach life, problems, problem-solving and adventure all comes from our voice of experience from within.

I’ve worked quite often in schools and libraries with young children. Children love to be read to. An adult can bring the pages and the words alive in a way that a new young reader may not be equipped to do on their own. When that happens, children tune in. Their faces express their presence in the tale and it’s up to the reader to keep them entertained until the story’s conclusion.

Although “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” is a children’s book, a picture book, it is a read-aloud story. And that type story lends itself very nicely to adult participation, which in this hurried day and age is a nice way to be able to connect with children. Hold the book, the story and the listening child in your heart. Bring Deborah Allen’s message that “anything is possible. We all have the capability to move mountains, even when it seems all hope may be lost” to life for a child in your life !

Bring “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” to life for a Child . . .
In fact, really bring “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” to life for a child. To a child, the person that created a story it’s holding in its hands or had read to them is a magical wizard of words. To be able to see, touch and get close to the author that created the characters and adventures of the story being told is a treat not all children get to experience. It’s an unforgettable moment, I assure you, as I’ve experienced this awe-struck moment several times with children.

And you can experience this same bliss for yourself and a child if you’re anywhere near Nashville, TN. “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” author, Deborah Allen, will be signing copies of her first ever children’s book on December 3, 2011 at 11:30 am at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN. Copies of the book must be purchased from the Museum Store. Be sure to check out the booksigning guidelines for all the details of how you can bring “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” to life and to a child.

If you can’t make it to the book signing and meet-and-greet or don’t live in the Nashville area, you can still bring “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” to life by gifting a copy to a child in your life. “The Loneliest Christmas Tree” is now available in stores and online retailers.

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“About The Write Copywriter” has received a complete and thorough makeover. Hopefully everything you need or ever wanted to know about the work, the writer and the business at The Write Copywriter is encapsulated in an infotaining way.

I don’t want to spoil the surprise – so drop in and check out all the juicy updates!

No restrictions. No conditions. No Kindle required. So, No excuse for any writer to be without this indispensable book of insight, information and inspiration.

Not “Just” for Columnists

The Art of Opinion Writing goes behind the published page tapping into the veins of prolific columnists who have achieved journalism and Pulitzer prize awarded successes. Whether you’re an aspiring columnist, weekend blogger or writer of any style or genre, The Art of Opinion Writing bursts from its binding with anecdotes, advice and writing strategies that will improve the quality of your work.

It’s no wonder Standring’s The Art of Opinion Writing has been adopted in college journalism courses. With professional words of wisdom and works of accomplishment covering topics of sports, politics, consumer affairs, education, faith, ethics and pop culture offered by columnists such as Joel Brinkley, Ellen Goodman, Connie Schultz, Jeffrey Seglin, Cal Thomas, Joanna Weiss and more, The Art of Opinion Writing compacts volumes of information into a single source itching to infiltrate your work.

To have access to the opinion (no pun intended) and insight of some of journalism’s top-notch, award-winning columnists in one place is equivalent to attending a private columnist coaching convention – priceless!

Perhaps The Art of Opinion Writing, written by and highlighting several successful female op-ed columnists will provide the tools of the trade, the techniques of the craft and the tenacity of women writers to break through that glass ceiling. But first you have to own the book then you have to read it – or better yet, devour its buffet like a wisdom-hungry opinion-writing savage, then put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard and properly and professionally voice your opinion.

The Epilogue

There’s no doubt we all have an opinion. But there’s a distinct difference between soapbox sound off and professional persuasion. The Art of Opinion Writing will clarify that confusion and your writing.

]]>https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2014/06/28/writer-opportunity-two-day-free-e-edition-of-suzette-standrings-the-art-of-opinion-writing/feed/0The-Art-Of-Opinion-Writing-Suzette-Martinez-Standring-BlogcmcdtwcThe-Art-of-Opinion-Writing-Suzette-Martinez-StandringSuzette-Martinez-Standring-NSNC-2014-SpeakerBig News ! Big Changes and a Big Welcome to the Blog …https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/hello-world/
https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/hello-world/#commentsWed, 26 Oct 2011 03:16:22 +0000http://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/?p=1Hello World !(that’s such a generic default in the world of blogging but think about it for a minute – in fact, one better, shout it silently to yourself – “Hello World !”. Doesn’t it just make you feel like there’s a zillion ears listening…)

Well, Hello World ! I’ve got some Big News ! Big Changes ! and it all starts with a Big Welcome to The Write Copywriter Blog and another branch of my World of Words.

The Write Copywriter has been in existence since 2008 and has just recently revamped its entire structure …

I have lots of exciting things to share with you so don’t forget to subscribe to The Write Copywriter Blog and/or The Write Copywriter website so you’ll be up to date without having to do a thing.

I’m very excited about the changes I’ve made here and look forward to sharing it all with you. For example:

The website is undergoing complete updates and is almost finished (but don’t worry, you can still access every awesome, informative page);

The portfolio is being reloaded (I’ve also lost some awesome files due to important files stored on a hard drive only – and well, that hard drive got hit by lightening and the files met their demise. Nah ! i’m not freaking out about it – why bother ! i can’t bring ’em back…move on…create new ones! ) and;

My focus is … well, focusing in a few primary areas of writing that I find are my stronger areas all around. I feel when I concentrate on what I excel at, that excellence gets passed on to you …

And YOU’RE what matters to business here at The Write Copywriter !

I’ve added a YouTube Channel to the structure to share with you all that I do here, all that I’ve done for others; and there’s also some awesome concert videos that the Country Music Junkie at The Write Copywriter has recorded during reviews of shows. (ah, that would be me and while the audio isn’t all that great on some of them – hey, what do you expect from the mic of a Smartphone in an arena that’s reverberating with live ! talent – But I’ve posted them anyway for YOU to decide if you wish to relive the moment or experience it for the first time at The Write Copywriter YouTube Channel.

The Write Copywriter is now onFacebook, where you can “share” me with your “friends” and “fans” – “like” me so you’re sure to be updated in all I do here – comment on posts and questions – leave a comment or ask a question if you’ve got something on your writing business mind you need to know or wish to share and;

I’ve added this blog – The Write Copywriter Blog – so I can share quick bits and pieces of interesting, informative and entertaining items with you – and so YOU can share interesting, informative and inquisitive bits and pieces with me.

I thank you for being with me and requesting my uniquely creative copywriting services. I look forward to continuing to serve you; dazzle your copy with words and create the copy you need in order to share all that you do with your customers.

Be sure to “subscribe” so you don’t miss a thing because I’ll be sharing an awesome way for you to tune in to all the things I do in the world of words here at The Write Copywriter !

Until then, remember …

The Write Copywriter makes a difference … everything else is just jargon !

~~~

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]]>https://thewritecopywriter.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/hello-world/feed/13The-Write-Copywriter-Blog-News-FeaturecmcdtwcThe-Write-Copywriter-Blog-NewsThe Write Copywriter Blog - you're here - be sure to share us with your friendsThe Write Copywriter YouTube Channel-link is in the right colum under My Other Websites - be sure to check it outThe Write Copywriter on Facebook-visit my Page and become a Fan so we can keep in touch